The rising popularity of direct selling over the last few years means there are now over 440, 000 people across the UK working as self-employed agents for companies such as Avon, Body Shop at Home, Virgin Vie and Tish Tash Toys. Once considered the preserve of women who wanted part-time work to fit around their family commitments, direct selling now appeals to many sections of the population regardless of their gender, age or background. This rise in popularity has been particularly marked within the over 50’s: 25% or 1 in 4 of direct sellers are now aged 50 or over.

So what makes MLM or network marketing so popular amongst the over 50s? The key is perhaps the flexibility of the work. For those people in their 50s and 60s looking for a part-time income to boost their pension, what better than a job where you can choose the hours that you work and location of your work?

As well as those looking for a little extra money, there are those who need to work around family commitments. Each week, a quarter of families across the UK, use grandparents for childcare. This trend towards more childcare being provided by Grandparents is likely to accelerate as formal childcare costs rise and the credit crunch forces more parents to work full-time. However, the knock-on effect for grandparents is that it is difficult to find work that fits around these new responsibilities.

As a work-from-home job, direct selling offers grandparents the opportunity for flexible work, whilst still allowing them to help out with the grandchildren. In addition there are also many over-50s who have taken early retirement, but are not ready for a life of leisure quite yet. Direct selling offers a challenge and opportunity to try something new, utilising their life and work skills whilst gaining extra income.

Due to the current economic situation there has been an increase in unemployment. When this occurs, the over 50’s and 60’s are often the most severely affected, because they may find securing new employment more difficult than younger workers. Direct selling is one opportunity that does not discriminate on the basis of age. Indeed, the Direct Selling Association says the key to the rise of direct selling is that people from all walks of life, of all ages and all levels of educational achievement can experience success, offering a genuine equal opportunity.

So if you are over 50 and looking for a new challenge, a way to boost your pension, and an opportunity to meet new people, why not join thousands of over 50’s and try direct selling?

Article by Bridgette Barrett

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